Windows 10

Windows 10 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, offering users a multitude of new and improved features.

Use the Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt and type “wmic product get name,version” to export the list of installed programs to a text file.

Why Exporting List of Programs is Important?

Exporting your list of programs in Windows 10 is important for several reasons. First, it allows you to keep a record of the apps and software installed on your device, which can come in handy when you need to troubleshoot or reinstall them. Second, it enables you to transfer your programs to another computer easily, without having to manually download or install them again. Third, exporting your list of programs can help you identify any programs that may be causing issues or slowing down your device. Lastly, it gives you the ability to share your list with others, making it easier to collaborate or provide recommendations.

Knowing what programs are installed on your computer can help you optimize its performance and troubleshoot issues more effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Export List of Programs in Windows 10

  1. Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting “Command Prompt” from the results.
  2. Type the command “wmic” into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
    Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd" in the search bar and selecting “Command Prompt" from the results.
Type the command “wmic" into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
  3. Type the command “/output:C:ProgramList.txt product get name,version” and press Enter. This will create a text file named “ProgramList” in your C: drive.
  4. Open the ProgramList.txt file to view the list of programs installed on your computer.
  5. Save the ProgramList.txt file to a USB drive or external hard drive for backup purposes.


Get-ItemProperty HKLM:SoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Export-Csv -Path "C:InstalledPrograms.csv" -NoTypeInformation

This script retrieves the list of installed programs from the Windows registry and exports it to a CSV file located at “C:InstalledPrograms.csv”. The CSV file includes the program name, version, publisher, and installation date. The -NoTypeInformation switch removes the type information from the exported CSV file.

Alternative Methods to Export List of Programs in Windows 10

Exporting a list of installed programs in Windows 10 can be useful when transferring to a new computer or for troubleshooting purposes. While the traditional method involves using the Control Panel, there are alternative ways to achieve this. One option is to use the Windows PowerShell command prompt by typing “Get-ItemProperty HKLM:SoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate > C:ProgramList.txt” and pressing enter. Another option is to use a third-party software such as Belarc Advisor or CCleaner to generate a report of installed programs. These alternative methods offer flexibility and convenience for users who prefer different approaches.

Exporting a list of installed programs can also be useful for creating an inventory of software licenses and tracking updates.

Common Issues and Errors While Exporting List of Programs in Windows 10

  • Program list not exporting at all
  • Exported file is incomplete or missing programs
    Program list not exporting at all
Exported file is incomplete or missing programs
  • Error message appears during export process

Repair Steps:

Issue 1: Program list not exporting at all

  1. Ensure that the Command Prompt is running with administrative privileges
    • Right-click on the Command Prompt icon in the Start menu
      Ensure that the Command Prompt is running with administrative privileges
Right-click on the Command Prompt icon in the Start menu
    • Select “Run as administrator”
  2. Double-check that the command being used to export the list is correct
    • The command should be: wmic /output:C:ProgramList.txt product get name,version
  3. Check that there is enough free space on the C drive to save the exported file
    • Open File Explorer
    • Right-click on the C drive icon
    • Select “Properties”
    • Check the “Free space” value
      Select "Properties"
Check the "Free space" value

Issue 2: Exported file is incomplete or missing programs

  1. Ensure that the Command Prompt is running with administrative privileges
    • Right-click on the Command Prompt icon in the Start menu
      Ensure that the Command Prompt is running with administrative privileges
Right-click on the Command Prompt icon in the Start menu
    • Select “Run as administrator”
  2. Add the “/format:csv” parameter to the export command
    • The new command should be: wmic /output:C:ProgramList.csv product get name,version
  3. Open the exported CSV file in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
  4. Sort the data by name or version to make sure all programs are included
  5. If programs are still missing, try running the export command again after restarting Windows

Issue 3: Error message appears during export process

  1. Make note of the error message that appears
  2. Search online for the error message to see if there is a known solution
  3. Try running the export command again after restarting Windows
  4. If the error message persists, try running a system file check
    Try running the export command again after restarting Windows
If the error message persists, try running a system file check
    • Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges
    • Type the command: sfc /scannow
      Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges
Type the command: sfc /scannow
    • Wait for the scan to complete
  5. If the system file check finds errors, run the command: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  6. Wait for the DISM tool to complete
  7. Try running the export command again

Fixing Errors While Exporting List of Programs in Windows 10

Exporting a list of programs in Windows 10 can be a helpful way to keep track of the software installed on your computer. However, errors can occur during the export process, leaving you with an incomplete or inaccurate list. To fix these errors, start by checking that you have the latest updates for Windows 10 and the software you are exporting. If that does not solve the issue, try exporting the list in a different format or using a third-party program to export the list. Another option is to manually create a list of programs using the built-in Windows PowerShell command. With these tips, you can easily fix errors and successfully export a comprehensive list of programs on your Windows 10 computer.

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